The dynamic control of signal transduction networks in cancer cells

Signal transduction networks (STNs) regulate fundamental biological processes by integrating and computing external and internal signals to adjust cellular physiology to changing environmental and intrinsic cues.Much of the computing function of STNs is carried out by small network modules that function as switches, noise filters, oscillators, signal integrators and distributors, combinatorial ensembles of which can translate complex molecular reactions into accurate biological responses.STN components are frequently affected in cancer by genetic mutations or epigenetic silencing, causing STN rewiring that modulates the biological effects of these genetic and epigenetic changes.These STN alterations in cancer dynamically integrate intrinsic genetic and epigenetic changes with external stress factors, such as drug or radiation treatments, generating new network states that can profoundly change the ability of the cancer cells to survive, grow and spread.Mathematical and computational modelling are powerful tools for the analysis of STNs and STN aberrations and for understanding and predicting the effects of mutations and therapeutic interventions in cancer.